M-14/M1A

[Ronsroom1]

This is a FYI.

Spare parts to have.
I am not advocating what spare parts to have.
This happened to me, so judge yourself accordingly.

While shooting the Rapid Fire Match at the Nationals, at Camp Perry,
I had a fail to cycle. I knew the round went down range, had full recoil.
Cycled the bolt, pulled the trigger, Boom, but still no cycling of the bolt.
Turns out the Gas Cylinder Valve Spindle, Spring, and Pin took a leave of absence.
Try to find those small parts in the grass/dirt/mud in the rain at Perry.
Went over to the Army Armorer Van, ( Kudos to them ) and they replaced same.
I was able to finish all the Long Range Matches.

In my range kit, I now carry those, as well as some other small parts in my Range Kit.

Hope this info helps someone not to have a Miserable drive home from a Range or Match.

Keep em in the Black.
Stay safe.

Ron

 

[Nicholst55]

That's the only time I can recall hearing of this failure. Just goes to show that any mechanical part can fail.

 

[kyletxria1911a1]

All machines do

 

[jlevy]

I've had good luck ordering parts from https://treelinem14.com. My most recent purchase was a well-used M14 stock (including the flip-up butt plate/storage area) to use as a beater for an M1A. Back then it was like 25 dollars, but it looks like they're like 35+ now depending on condition and material

 

[Tnhawk]

This is a FYI.

Spare parts to have.
I am not advocating what spare parts to have.
This happened to me, so judge yourself accordingly.

While shooting the Rapid Fire Match at the Nationals, at Camp Perry,
I had a fail to cycle. I knew the round went down range, had full recoil.
Cycled the bolt, pulled the trigger, Boom, but still no cycling of the bolt.
Turns out the Gas Cylinder Valve Spindle, Spring, and Pin took a leave of absence.
Try to find those small parts in the grass/dirt/mud in the rain at Perry.
Went over to the Army Armorer Van, ( Kudos to them ) and they replaced same.
I was able to finish all the Long Range Matches.

In my range kit, I now carry those, as well as some other small parts in my Range Kit.

Hope this info helps someone not to have a Miserable drive home from a Range or Match.

Keep em in the Black.
Stay safe.

Ron

If it happened once, it'll happen again. I'll be ordering these parts before I need them.